In 1996 the Liberals received 662,000 votes for 42 per cent of the popular vote.
The NDP received just 624,400 votes for only 39 per cent of the vote. Yet the NDP formed government. And in 2001 Liberals received 57.5 per cent of the popular vote but "won" 97.5 per cent of the seats. Their opposition received 43 per cent of the votes but only 2.5 per cent of the legislature. The liberals ruled with 77 seats to two.
Finally, voter turnout is steadily declining as a majority of citizens conclude that their votes are wasted. These facts alone make it clear that there is a serious failing with our current First Past the Post system (FPTP). But what about BC-STV (Single Transferable Vote)? Some say that it's too complicated. Well, Irish voters have long used STV. And they have twice voted down the opportunity to return to FPTP.
Surely, if the Irish voter can figure it out, so can the average British Columbian. Some are concerned that the ridings are too large. However, they are not that much larger than the federal boundaries. And in any riding electing three or more MLAs, there is almost a certainly that at least one Liberal and one New Democrat will be elected and in the larger ridings, probably a Green as well.
Personally, I'd rather live in larger riding where there is at least one MLA whose "political" values are in sync with my own. My current riding, despite its many boundary changes, has never elected an MLA that I voted for.
I sincerely believe that this is a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. If we don't change the system now, it won't even be looked at again in our lifetime... or even my children's lifetime.
Nothing makes more difference to the environment, economy and our lives in British Columbia than our electoral system. BC-STV gives voters more control over our political system and ensures that seats are distributed fairly.
On May 12 I will be voting "Yes" to BC-STV.
Sandy Bauer
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